Al Nassr captain Cristiano Ronaldo has been left out of the matchday squad for their AFC Champions League clash against Esteghlal. Ronaldo did not travel to Tehran with the rest of his teammates for the first leg of the last-16 tie.

Amid growing speculation on social media about Cristiano Ronaldo's presence in Iran for Al Nassr's AFC Champions League clash against Esteghlal, head coach Stefano Pioli addressed whether the Portuguese star will be available for the match.

The truth behind Cristiano Ronaldo's absence from Al-Nassr's squad for their upcoming AFC Champions League clash has emerged amid false claims about an incident that happened in 2023. Al Nassr will face Iranian side Esteghlal in the last 16 of the Asian Champions League on Monday, just three days falling to a 2-1 defeat against Al Orobah.

Al-Nassr, without Cristiano Ronaldo, drew 0-0 at Esteghlal in the first leg of their AFC Champions League Elite last 16 clash

Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr finished third in their group (B) in the league phase, accumulating 17 points. Esteghlal FC, also in the same group as Al Nassr, finished sixth with nine points

Al Nassr fans have been reacting on social media after watching Jhon Duran's performance against Esteghlal FC. On Monday evening, Saudi Pro League side Al Nassr were in AFC Champions League action as they took on Iranian outfit Esteghlal in the first leg of the round of 16.

Jhon Duran hit a post and was thwarted by an inspired goalkeeping display as Al Nassr drew 0-0 in Iran without Cristiano Ronaldo.

Esteghlal face Al Nassr for the first leg of the 2024/2025 AFC Champions League round of 16. Find out here the kickoff times and full broadcast details, including TV and streaming options available in the USA.